COVID-19 burial protocols were on Tuesday reinforced in Kogelo, Siaya County at the home of the late Mama Sarah Obama before her burial scheduled for midday.
Two barriers had been set up along the road leading to the home and police organized to guard the gates. The officers are only allowing entry for immediate family members as well as a few guests.
The conventions to restrict the number of mourners allowed into the compound to witness the burial has seen every individual trying to access the home to be screened at the checkpoints, and the two gates before being allowed in.
This is in line with the MOH protocols on COVID-19 containment and the directive issued on Monday by top county security officers.
However, journalists were exclusively allowed into the home upon presenting identification.
Obama’s grandmother, the late Mama Sarah is set to be laid to rest before midday per the Muslim rites. This a decision that was arrived at following family consultations. Mama Sarah succumbed to a short illness at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital on Monday morning.
The body had stayed overnight at her Kogelo Village home after being removed from the hospital’s mortuary in Kisumu yesterday at around noon.
The late Mama Sarah’s son, Sayid Obama, led the family on Monday evening to plead with the area MCA Joseph Mboha to ask the security to allow their neighbours and distant relatives to attend the burial.
The family in turn proposed the security to allow at least 25 people at a time to view the body while keeping social distance before being allowed out of the compound.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Chief Raila Odinga have led several leaders in comforting the bereaved family.
Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo is among the notables who have arrived for the burial.
Governor Cornel Rasanga, county assembly speaker George Okode and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o are also expected to attend.
By Everlyne Bosibori
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